Need a simple, affordable recipe to please the whole family? I've got just the thing for tonight's dinner.
This is our tried-and-true family gratin—traditional, economical, and perfectly balanced. It's a one-dish wonder that's simple to prepare, delicious, and endlessly adaptable.
With fresh veggies, protein, and grains, it's nutritious without breaking the bank. Here's how we make it:
Serves 4 – Prep time: 10 min – Cook time: 30 min
1. Preheat oven to 180-200°C (350-400°F).
2. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet. Add thinly sliced or diced peeled zucchini.
3. Season with salt immediately and stir in the rice. The zucchini releases water as it cooks (thanks to the salt), steaming the rice perfectly. If needed, add a splash of water to finish cooking the rice.
4. Drain once the rice is tender.
5. In a baking dish, combine zucchini-rice mixture with diced ham.
6. Stir in 2 generous tbsp crème fraîche (or whatever cream you have).
7. Season with pepper and mix well.
8. Top generously with grated Gruyère for a golden crust.
9. Bake for 20-30 minutes until bubbly and browned.
A hearty, crowd-pleasing gratin the family devours! Quick to prep, wallet-friendly, and foolproof—no fancy gadgets required.
This gentle oven bake works wonders. Depending on your oven, 20-30 minutes at 180-200°C does it.
Make ahead and reheat, or prep the night before. We call it "Lisa's Gratin" after my daughter who inspired it at age 4—spotting the perfect balance of starch, veggie, and protein (originally vegetarian, ham added later).
Swap ham for leftover roast chicken. Pair with a green salad for a complete meal. Check out: What To Do With Leftover Chicken? My 5 Original Ideas.
Ideal for spring/summer with fresh zucchini. In fall/winter, use frozen or swap for cauliflower to stay seasonal.
Limitless variations—classic or creative.
Tried this family gratin? Share your results in the comments—we'd love to hear!
